Research: Theoretical Physics: Projects: High Energy Physics - Coherent Quantum Phenomena - Other activities
This is a research activity with a long tradition in our group. The present activity is focussed more on the study of highly excited atomic states than on the properties of stable ground states. Also the study of interactions between atoms and the electromagnetic field is an active field of research, with importance for the understanding of optical and magnetic properties of matter. Some of the activity in the field of atomic and molecular physics is stimulated by the ongoing discussion of possible physical realizations of a quantum computer.
Leif Veseth is working on theoretical and numerical calculations of physical properties of atoms and diatomic molecules. The calculations include e.g. hyper fine structure, i.e. the interaction between the magnetic moment of the nucleus and the angular momentum and the spin of the electron, and in addition relativistic effects that contribute to the magnetic properties of atoms and molecules. Presently, mainly photo ionization of atoms and molecules are being studied. The purpose of the theoretical calculations is to gain better understanding of some of the quantum mechanical phenomena that are typical to systems of many particles.
Kjell Aashamar works in the field of theoretical atomic physics. The
activity includes theoretical studies of both atomic structure and atomic
processes in ion-atom collisions.
The first (and at present main) area involves calculation of energy levels,
transition rates/lifetimes, relativistic effects, radiative corrections and
other properties of atoms and ions of varying complexity.
The second area concerns collision-induced inner and outer shell
ionization and excitation as well as charge transfer between the collision
partners.
Another important part of the activity is the study and development of
computational methods and models in atomic physics.
The ongoing activity in this direction is aimed at the numerical study of instabilities in non-linear systems. The objective is to obtain a better understanding of how chaotic behaviour is initiated.
Jan Frøyland is working on the theory of dynamical systems, neural networks, time series analysis and self organized processes. In dynamical systems theory mainly coupled, non-linear oscillators have been studied. Variations of the so-called "back propagation" model has been examined. Time series analyses have been made from different meteorological data such as temperature and wave heights. Modifications of the "sand pile" model are studied under the label of self organized processes.
The research activities in this field are focussed on problems in classical mechanics and classical radiation theory. Various problems in classical gravitation theory and in cosmology are also studied.
Kjell Vøyenli is working on didactical problems within classical mechanics, electromagnetism and special relativity.
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